Outside Mag: Should elite marathons have their elite men start separate from the masses? Isn't it xenophobic?

It's neither racist nor xenophobic.

Article says nothing about racism or xenophobia. 0/10

Fishing for racism. Btw. Why would anyone think it's racist?

Seems like most of the reasons for not having the elites and masses run together could be overcome by compulsory post-race drug testing for all prize money winners.

They could also just expand the elite fields to get more sub-elites in there. An elite field of 50 would open the doors to those Cinderella stories without harming the true elite competitors

Separate the “elites” by 5m. Then no one gets trampled in the first three seconds, and everyone else can still catch up if legit. Problem solved.

johnny walker blue wrote:

Separate the “elites” by 5m. Then no one gets trampled in the first three seconds, and everyone else can still catch up if legit. Problem solved.

Any "legit" run could catch the elite field after a five minute (a mile) head start? What is your definition of "legit"? I hope you meant five seconds.

tycobb wrote:

johnny walker blue wrote:

Separate the “elites” by 5m. Then no one gets trampled in the first three seconds, and everyone else can still catch up if legit. Problem solved.

Any "legit" run could catch the elite field after a five minute (a mile) head start? What is your definition of "legit"? I hope you meant five seconds.

He said 5 METERS you goof

industry insider afraid to use my name wrote:

Martin Fritz Huber of Outside looks at the issue here.'

https://www.outsideonline.com/health/running/elite-starts-major-marathons/

For me, there is no good reason to have the pro men start separate from the masses. I think it's kind of a hidden way for them to control the number of Amercans finishing in the top 10.

Some might call it racist. Personally, I don't think they are racist at all and think that term is used way too often in the US. A race is thrilled to have a Meb or Elkaneh Kibet do well as they are American, but they don't want an uknown African finishing 6-7-8.

I get why they do it but don't like it.

It is not racist, but it is stupid. Why should sponsored athletes be given special accommodation and an advantage over other runners in a race. Elite starts only make the elites look like children that can't handle the real deal and it separates them from unknown competition. Only children need a separate special start. Time to take off the kid gloves and demand elites race everyone.

You don’t know what xenophobia is

I think separate starting times have much more to do with logistics of these huge events than anything else. Nowadays people try to make political statements out of everything.

Anyone who uses the term "xenophobic" unironically is too stupid to be giving their opinion in public..

The same people who obsess about "xenophobia" want to cancel anyone who doesn't agree with their world view. If they were more intelligent they'd see the irony.

Lead Foil Hat XVI wrote:

It is not racist, but it is stupid. Why should sponsored athletes be given special accommodation and an advantage over other runners in a race. Elite starts only make the elites look like children that can't handle the real deal and it separates them from unknown competition. Only children need a separate special start. Time to take off the kid gloves and demand elites race everyone.

1: the morons who run ahead of the lead pack to get on camera

2: the morons who line up on th start line with a go-pro strapped to their forehead

Both of these interfere with the start of the race. In any marathon, there are realistically only about 10-15 people who could win, and they're the reason there's prize money on the line. there's no reason to risk one of these bozos trippnig someone, or making an ass out of thmselves to start the race, just for "equality."

At a minimum give the elites a separate coral up front. They are trying to make a living. If someone new deserves to be there it will show on a race result.

When I'm at my desk I don't want jack-ass hobby joggers and kids trying to show me how good they are at excel. If you are at an NFL game, no one wants you to jump in and show how great you can punt or how fast you can run a 40.

Maybe respecting the professionals as such would be a positive.

Haven't read the article but MF Huber has gained a reputation as a professional contrarian. Sort of Skip Bayless Lite for running. All that aside, if pro running wants to be regarded as legit professional sport (replete with income, drug testing, etc.) then it's a necessary step to start pros separately from the masses. The narrative of "anyone can line up with Kipchoge and try for the win" is folksy yet well worn. There was a time and place for that, and if distance running is to further shake off the archaic vestiges of amateurism then this is a progressive step. Change is never easy and some folks won't ever accept it, and yet it's definitely due.

Lead Foil Hat XVI wrote:

It is not racist, but it is stupid. Why should sponsored athletes be given special accommodation and an advantage over other runners in a race. Elite starts only make the elites look like children that can't handle the real deal and it separates them from unknown competition. Only children need a separate special start. Time to take off the kid gloves and demand elites race everyone.

Agreed! Pack running is a skill. If a 9 year old trips you up at the start, that's on you.

Pro managers and agents are the ones who are insisting on this. They do not want to have a top athlete get tripped or miss a bottle because someone from the masses is running all out the first few miles just to be on TV with the elites. Athletes' sponsors also like it as it keeps some unknown from taking the lead early in a marathon and diverting TV time from the pros.

I do see the point about keeping non-invited runners out of the money. But the pros are paid to line up an go for the win and not do a time trial and pick off elites who have cracked trying to stay with the leaders.

I do have to admit watching the LA marathon the other week, it was confusing having people running as fast as elites considerably far behind the elites.

Not unless you want the first mile of every major marathon to be elites trying to dodge and not trip over morons trying to get on TV.

It's a non-issue and doesn't represent racism nor xenophobia in the slightest.

With that said, I'm sick of seeing the elite women start with the men. The men are generally much faster than the masses and aren't affected by them, but the women should not have to race through the masses. I also believe they should get the same amount of coverage (mainly because I like watching them too).